Tradition / Region: Guam Mythology
Alternative names: Taotaomona, Taotaomo’na
Category: Ghost
The Myth
The Taotao Mo’na are the ancient spirits of the Mariana Islands, believed to be the souls of the people who lived before recorded history. Said to have once been giants, they dwell in the mountains, forests, and secluded places of the islands, protecting the land that belonged to their ancestors.
They are especially associated with banyan trees, whose twisting roots are believed to shift and change direction during the night. Hidden among these trees and wild places, the Taotao Mo’na are rarely seen, but their presence is still respected throughout the islands.
Though invisible most of the time, they can reveal themselves in many forms. Some are described as ordinary people, while others are said to be headless spirits. Certain Taotao Mo’na are kind and aid traditional healers known as suruhanas and suruhanus, but others are mischievous or dangerous when offended.
Anyone entering the jungle or taking wood, fruit, or other resources from the land is expected to ask permission from the Taotao Mo’na. Those who fail to show respect may suffer mysterious illnesses, bruises, pinches, or hear strange voices calling their names. Children are sometimes said to be briefly kidnapped, only to be returned unharmed later. Some spirits become attached to people they favor, causing unexplained sickness that only a suruhana can cure.
Pregnant women are believed to be especially vulnerable to the Taotao Mo’na. To avoid attracting their attention, they traditionally wear their husband’s clothing, use perfume to disguise their scent, and avoid going outside after dark.
Feared and respected in equal measure, the Taotao Mo’na are remembered as the ancient guardians of the Mariana Islands—spirits of the people who came before, still dwelling among the banyan trees and watching over the wild places of their homeland.
Sources
Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Taotao Mona. In Wikipedia. Retrieved June 20, 2026, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taotao_Mona